Fall in the Fox Cities

From scenic trails and cozy coffee shops to vibrant orchards and creative workshops, the Fox Cities offer endless ways to celebrate the beauty of autumn. Plan your fall getaway today and discover why this season is one of the most magical times to visit the Fox Cities.

View of the Fox River in the Fall.

Fall is one of the most breathtaking times to explore the natural landscapes of the Fox Cities. Lace up your hiking boots, grab a camera, and immerse yourself in vibrant fall colors at these scenic spots:

1000 Islands Environmental Center (Kaukauna) - Stroll along miles of public trails that wind beside the Fox River. With a barrier-free boardwalk, blacktop loop trail, and soft-surface paths, this destination welcomes all visitors to experience the great outdoors, no matter their level of mobility.

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve (Menasha) - Wander three miles of trails through a variety of habitats, from forested wetlands to prairies and open water areas, and see how fall paints every landscape in a new hue.

High Cliff State Park (Sherwood) - Overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, this park offers panoramic views and a network of trails that make every visit an adventure. We suggest climbing the observation tower for an unbeatable panorama (and the ultimate selfie spot).

1000 Islands Environmental Center

Taste the Fall Flavors

There’s no better way to celebrate the season than by enjoying local fall flavors. From cozy cafés to creative cocktails, the Fox Cities are filled with delicious ways to warm up and unwind.

Morning Favorites:

Start your day with a coffee flight or a seasonal latte from Il Bar (Appleton & Kimberly). Their Sticky Pumpkin Latte and Bonfire Latte capture all the best flavors of fall - spiced and perfectly comforting! Then, indulge your sweet tooth with a stop at Whisk & Arrow in Appleton. Whether you’re grabbing a pastry or treating yourself to a second cup, don’t miss their Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookie! It’s soft, buttery, and bursting with autumn goodness.

Midday Pick-Me-Up:

Visit Soda Bar in Appleton for handcrafted, fizzy drinks that blend bold flavors with a seasonal twist. The Apple Crisp is a staff favorite, mixing tart green apple with just the right touch of sweet caramel.

Comfort Food Classics:

Enjoy a hearty bowl of soup at Zuppas Café in Neenah, or pick up soup mixes from Lamers Dairy in Appleton to bring the taste of fall right to your kitchen table.

Evening Indulgence:

Wrap up your day with a refreshing Cranberry Mule or another autumn-inspired cocktail at Batley’s Grill & Bar in Neenah. For those who love a cozy night in, Red Door Mercantile offers delicious cocktail mixes perfect for creating your own autumn-inspired drinks at home.

Il Bar Fall Coffee Flight — Sticky Pumpkin Latte & Bonfire Latte

Autumn Experiences

From apple picking to pumpkin patches, fall in the Fox Cities is full of family-friendly adventures and festive experiences.

Hofacker’s Hillside Orchard (Appleton) - Pick your own apples, explore a corn maze, and visit the pumpkin patch for a day filled with fall fun.

Sprangers Orchard (Kaukauna) - Sample fall’s finest flavors including apple and cherry cider, caramel apples, jams, syrups, honey, and more at this local orchard. Their Honeycrisp apples are unbelievably crisp, sweet, and perfectly refreshing.

Peter’s Pumpkin Patch (Kaukauna) - Stock up on seasonal must-haves like fresh-pressed cider, pumpkins, gourds, squash, straw bales, and mini pumpkins, all in one charming stop.

Cuff Farms (Hortonville) - Take a “Pumpkin Picking” ride to the fields, play on the round-bale climbing area, find your way through the corn maze, and make lasting fall memories.

Board & Brush (Appleton) - Tap into your creative side with a guided DIY workshop where you can craft personalized fall décor to bring the season home with you.